The 10 Best Shows of 2013 (and then some)

December 19, 2013 12:05 PM

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#10 THE BLACKLIST Is this FBI drama starring James Spader basically "The Silence of the Lambs" with daddy issues? Sure, but that doesn't mean that it's not a lot of fun. Spader is clearly enjoying gnawing holes in the scenery as "Red" Reddington, "The Concierge of Crime" who has paired up with the FBI to catch the most wanted criminals in the world, and that's what makes it so enjoyable and easy to watch.
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#10 THE BLACKLIST Is this FBI drama starring James Spader basically "The Silence of the Lambs" with daddy issues? Sure, but that doesn't mean that it's not a lot of fun. Spader is clearly enjoying gnawing holes ... more

#9: DOWNTON ABBEY Confession: This now-classic post-Edwardian drama would be higher on this list had they not (SPOILER ALERT!) killed off so many of our favorite characters. However, they left us as bereft as Lady Mary, and we're not quite ready to forgive and forget. But we'll still be tuning in come January to catch up with the Grantham family -- heartbreak and all.
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#9: DOWNTON ABBEY Confession: This now-classic post-Edwardian drama would be higher on this list had they not (SPOILER ALERT!) killed off so many of our favorite characters. However, they left us as bereft as ... more

#8 ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK This Netflix series is surprisingly delightful for a dark dramedy that takes place in a women's prison. Ostensibly a fish-out-of-water story told through the eyes of a privileged white woman who finds herself behind bars, the series is so much more than that. In "Lost"-esque fashion, the prison story is interspersed with inmates' flashbacks, explaining just how these women found themselves in this place. The result is a powerful, sharp, often hilarious, sometimes devastating and always original series.
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#8 ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK This Netflix series is surprisingly delightful for a dark dramedy that takes place in a women's prison. Ostensibly a fish-out-of-water story told through the eyes of a privileged ... more

#8 ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK This Netflix series is surprisingly... Photo-5622296.76449 - seattlepi.com

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#7 HANNIBAL In case you missed it -- and too many of you did -- Bryan Fuller's adaptation of the iconic cannibal's story proved to be the most atmospheric and terrifying show on television this year. Technically a prequel to Thomas Harris' novel (and the film) "Red Dragon," the series follows the development of the relationship between FBI profiler Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter, forensic psychiatrist and manipulative psychopath. Hugh Dancy's Graham is heartbreaking as a man tortured by his own doubts regarding his sanity, and Mads Mikkelsen as Hannibal proves to be as poised, suave and deliciously horrifying as the villain Anthony Hopkins made so famous. But it's the gorgeous, gruesome imagery that will stay with you, lingering in your nightmares.
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#7 HANNIBAL In case you missed it -- and too many of you did -- Bryan Fuller's adaptation of the iconic cannibal's story proved to be the most atmospheric and terrifying show on television this year. ... more

Photo: NBC, Robert Trachtenberg/NBC

#7 HANNIBAL In case you missed it -- and too many of you did --... Photo-5622297.76449 - seattlepi.com

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#6 ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Seven years after it was cancelled on FOX, "Arrested Development" and the dysfunctional Bluth clan are back in their new model home on Netflix. The family and the show itself are a little bit older, a lot changed, but just as sharp, mean and clever as ever. Airing on Netflix proved to be a blessing and a curse for the beloved series. Creator Mitch Hurwitz took advantage of being able to release all 8 episodes simultaneously to create a story told from different characters' unique perspectives. A number of fans of the series didn't care for the new format and gave up on it after the first few rather disjointed episodes. However, those viewers who stuck around were ultimately rewarded with a brilliantly woven together plot, revealing itself to be as smart and wicked as the original series ever was.
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#6 ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Seven years after it was cancelled on FOX, "Arrested Development" and the dysfunctional Bluth clan are back in their new model home on Netflix. The family and the show itself are a ... more

#6 ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Seven years after it was cancelled on FOX,... Photo-5622298.76449 - seattlepi.com

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#5 IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA After many years of including "Sunny" in the honorable mentions on these lists, I'm ready to move it up to the place where it belongs -- firmly in the top 10. "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," a foul-mannered sitcom about a group of friends running a dump of a bar in Philadelphia, is not for everybody; certainly not for polite society. However, no other show on television can match its daring or its vitriol as best demonstrated in one of the funniest, cruelest episodes of television this year, "The Group Breaks Dee," or its bitter and brilliant self-awareness as in this season's "The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award."
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#5 IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA After many years of including "Sunny" in the honorable mentions on these lists, I'm ready to move it up to the place where it belongs -- firmly in the top 10. "It's Always ... more

#5 IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA After many years of... Photo-5622299.76449 - seattlepi.com

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#4 MAD MEN The penultimate season of "Mad Men" will, admittedly, not be as beloved or exalted as one of its best. Season 6, taking place in the waning days of the 1960s, lacked the swing and sexiness of the early seasons. Instead, the characters have all grown a little older, a little more world-weary and, somewhat painfully, a little more honest with themselves. The final episode of this season, in which Don Draper finally truly exposes himself to his family and colleagues was one of the most startling, poetic and satisfying episodes of the entire brilliant series.
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#4 MAD MEN The penultimate season of "Mad Men" will, admittedly, not be as beloved or exalted as one of its best. Season 6, taking place in the waning days of the 1960s, lacked the swing and sexiness of the ... more

Photo: Frank Ockenfels/AMC

#4 MAD MEN The penultimate season of "Mad Men" will,... Photo-5622300.76449 - seattlepi.com

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#3 GAME OF THRONES Fans of the novels knew what was coming this season -- (SPOILER ALERT!) only the most devastating and shocking deaths in the series -- but the Red Wedding was orchestrated so well on the HBO fantasy series, that even those of us who were waiting for it were let stunned and heartbroken. That memorable party, plus Daenerys' rise to power, Arya's tragic journey with "The Hound," the Red Priestess' terrifying power grab and Jaime Lannister's believable and humbling relationship with Brienne made this season of "Game of Thrones" one of its best so far. Oh, and for those of you who haven't read the books? Just wait until you see what Season Four has in store.
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#3 GAME OF THRONES Fans of the novels knew what was coming this season -- (SPOILER ALERT!) only the most devastating and shocking deaths in the series -- but the Red Wedding was orchestrated so well on the HBO ... more

#3 GAME OF THRONES Fans of the novels knew what was coming this... Photo-5622301.76449 - seattlepi.com

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#2 AMERICAN HORROR STORY: COVEN Ranking this campy horror anthology series this high in this list is as much as a surprise to me as it is to anyone -- especially following the dark and dour chapter that was "American Horror Story: Asylum." But to his credit, creator Ryan Murphy returned this season with a glamorous, hilarious and sexy story about a witch school in New Orleans at battle with a group of Voodoo queens led by the infamous Marie Laveau. This season has explored issues of race, feminism and ageism with both pathos and humor, all the while never losing sight of its story or its characters. With this season, Murphy has given his mostly female and staggeringly talented cast a gift that will hopefully be well-rewarded come awards season.
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#2 AMERICAN HORROR STORY: COVEN Ranking this campy horror anthology series this high in this list is as much as a surprise to me as it is to anyone -- especially following the dark and dour chapter that was ... more

#1 BREAKING BAD It might not be much of a surprise or a daring choice to pick "Breaking Bad" for the best show on television this year, but let's be honest, what else could be number one? Vince Gilligan brought his long, cold stare into dark heart of Everyman to a fitting close this year, and everyone stopped to take notice. While some may have found the finale and (SPOILER ALERT!) Walter White's violent end somewhat pat and predictable, there is no arguing that "Ozymandias," the episode in which Walter's fate is definitively cast following a deadly shoot out, will long be remembered not just as the series' best, but one of the best episodes of television, ever.
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#1 BREAKING BAD It might not be much of a surprise or a daring choice to pick "Breaking Bad" for the best show on television this year, but let's be honest, what else could be number one? Vince Gilligan brought ... more

Photo: Ursula Coyote/AMC

#1 BREAKING BAD It might not be much of a surprise or a daring... Photo-5622303.76449 - seattlepi.com

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HONORABLE MENTION: HOMELAND Sure, the third season of the political drama was a little improbable and sometimes tiresome (ENOUGH DANA ALREADY) but it closed the Brody chapter in a heartbreaking but appropriate fashion and leaves us looking forward to Carrie's future. SHOWTIME less

HONORABLE MENTION: HOMELAND Sure, the third season of the political drama was a little improbable and sometimes tiresome (ENOUGH DANA ALREADY) but it closed the Brody chapter in a heartbreaking but appropriate ... more

Photo: HOMELAND, Copyright:Showtime 2011

HONORABLE MENTION: HOMELAND Sure, the third season of the political... Photo-5622304.76449 - seattlepi.com

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HONORABLE MENTION: VEEP Julia Louis-Dreyfus' best role since "Seinfeld" may not be the easiest character to love, but she sure is foul-mouthed and funny. HBO

HONORABLE MENTION: VEEP Julia Louis-Dreyfus' best role since "Seinfeld" may not be the easiest character to love, but she sure is foul-mouthed and funny. HBO

HONORABLE MENTION: THE WALKING DEAD This series would have made it into the top ten had it not been for the tedious first half of this season, and a mind-numbingly boring flashback for one TV greatest villains. AMC less

HONORABLE MENTION: THE WALKING DEAD This series would have made it into the top ten had it not been for the tedious first half of this season, and a mind-numbingly boring flashback for one TV greatest villains. ... more

Photo: Frank Ockenfels/AMC

HONORABLE MENTION: THE WALKING DEAD This series would have made it... Photo-5622306.76449 - seattlepi.com

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HONORABLE MENTION: 30 ROCK Technically speaking, "30 Rock" only had 5 episodes in 2013, but as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time we weren't about to leave it off this list. NBC

HONORABLE MENTION: 30 ROCK Technically speaking, "30 Rock" only had 5 episodes in 2013, but as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time we weren't about to leave it off this list. NBC

HONORABLE MENTION: THE AMERICANS This 1980s spy drama had more wigs than an episode of "RuPaul's Drag Race," and about as much catty back-biting. A tense family drama with a great cast, "The Americans" sometimes slipped into melodrama, but was always entertaining. FX less

HONORABLE MENTION: THE AMERICANS This 1980s spy drama had more wigs than an episode of "RuPaul's Drag Race," and about as much catty back-biting. A tense family drama with a great cast, "The Americans" ... more

HONORABLE MENTION: THE KROLL SHOW
This whip smart sketch comedy series deftly spoofed reality television -- even more so than reality television already does. It should be on any television fan's Must Watch list.
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HONORABLE MENTION: THE KROLL SHOW
This whip smart sketch comedy series deftly spoofed reality television -- even more so than reality television already does. It should be on any television fan's Must Watch ... more

HONORABLE MENTION: NEW GIRL Sure, some fans have grown weary of Nick and Jess's relationship already -- that's the danger of satisfying the "will they or won't they" game early on. But Damon Wayans has proven to be a strong foil to Schmidt, and it remains one of the best network sitcoms on air. FOX less

HONORABLE MENTION: NEW GIRL Sure, some fans have grown weary of Nick and Jess's relationship already -- that's the danger of satisfying the "will they or won't they" game early on. But Damon Wayans has proven ... more

HONORABLE MENTION: GIRLS The second season of the self-proclaimed "voice of a generation" was not as strong a showing as the first, but it was still pretty daring, self-aware and funny. HBO

HONORABLE MENTION: GIRLS The second season of the self-proclaimed "voice of a generation" was not as strong a showing as the first, but it was still pretty daring, self-aware and funny. HBO

HONORABLE MENTION: GIRLS The second season of the self-proclaimed... Photo-5622315.76449 - seattlepi.com

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HONORABLE MENTION: EASTBOUND AND DOWN This fourth season of "Eastbound and Down" was never supposed to happen, but we're glad it did and that Kenny Powers finally got his happy ending. HBO

HONORABLE MENTION: EASTBOUND AND DOWN This fourth season of "Eastbound and Down" was never supposed to happen, but we're glad it did and that Kenny Powers finally got his happy ending. HBO

HONORABLE MENTION: EASTBOUND AND DOWN This fourth season of... Photo-5622316.76449 - seattlepi.com

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HONORABLE MENTION: THE MINDY PROJECT Mindy Kahling's sitcom about a young doctor hoping to fall in love continues to be a delightful and irony-free half hour of television. (Now give it a chance! Please!) FOX

HONORABLE MENTION: THE MINDY PROJECT Mindy Kahling's sitcom about a young doctor hoping to fall in love continues to be a delightful and irony-free half hour of television. (Now give it a chance! Please!) FOX

HONORABLE MENTION: KEY & PEELE Because they are African-American comedians with a show on Comedy Central, Key and Peele will always suffer comparisons to the great Dave Chappelle, which just isn't fair. While not quite as brash as Chappelle, Key and Peele bring their own, gentler perspective on race in a post-Obama world -- and they are doing a hilarious job of it. COMEDY CENTRAL less

HONORABLE MENTION: KEY & PEELE Because they are African-American comedians with a show on Comedy Central, Key and Peele will always suffer comparisons to the great Dave Chappelle, which just isn't fair. While ... more

HONORABLE MENTION: SHAMELESS Speaking of hard to watch, Showtime's family drama "Shameless" never makes it easy for the viewers or for the beleaguered Gallagher clan. That said, it remains one of the most strangely satisfying shows on television. SHOWTIME less

HONORABLE MENTION: SHAMELESS Speaking of hard to watch, Showtime's family drama "Shameless" never makes it easy for the viewers or for the beleaguered Gallagher clan. That said, it remains one of the most ... more

HONORABLE MENTION: THE NEW NORMAL This quirky little sitcom about a gay couple hiring a surrogate to start a family never quite found an audience, falling right between being too controversial for some, and not controversial enough for others. It was a sweet little show with a terrific cast, and it was completely overlooked, unfortunately. NBC less

HONORABLE MENTION: THE NEW NORMAL This quirky little sitcom about a gay couple hiring a surrogate to start a family never quite found an audience, falling right between being too controversial for some, and not ... more